Pre-application service

In March 2022 Natural England identified the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Special Protection Area (SPA) as being in an unfavourable condition due to nutrient pollution, specifically nitrogen.

The whole of the Darlington Borough is located within the identified catchment area of the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA, which is the whole River Tees. 

See the latest advice on Nutrient Neutrality 

Pre-App Service 

Do you..

• Have plans for building works or other developments?
• Have business premises, but wish to change the current use or alter/extend them?

Are you...

Unsure if you need permission or whether your proposals are likely to be acceptable?

Our Pre Application process is service offered to identify major issues and advise if permission is likely to be granted.

Details of the service and fees are detailed here Pre-application charter and fees [pdf document]

The forms to fill in are:

• pre-application advice application form - major development [pdf document]
• pre-application advice application form - minor/Householder/other development [pdf document]

Householders

If you need a legally binding decision on if a proposal requires planning permission, you should apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Use or Development under the Town and Country Planning Act 1991 [as amended].

If you are just wanting to know if permission is likely to be granted for your proposal  - use the PreApp form above, there is a fee of £ 36.00 for this service.

This legally binding certificate is often needed by lenders before funds are released.